'You cannot not give credit to Deepika Padukone for Chennai Express, Ram-Leela': Priyanka Chopra on actresses’ credit in hero-led films

Priyanka Chopra once reflected on the dynamics of hero-led films and the recognition actresses deserve for their contributions. In an old interview, she clarified her views on credit in blockbusters, offered insight into her own career ranking, and highlighted the importance of acknowledging the talent and impact of fellow actresses.

Top actors and actresses ranking

In conversation with Bollywood Hungama in 2014, Priyanka explained that her ranking of top actors and actresses is always fluid, as positions shift after every big release. She acknowledged that contemporaries like Aamir, Salman, Deepika, and Katrina often rotate within the top spots. Priyanka humbly stated that she does not consider herself among the top 10 and is content focusing on the work she chooses to do.

Recognition for actresses in hero-led films

The actress also addressed the topic of recognition for actresses in hero-driven blockbusters, emphasizing that performers shouldn’t claim undue credit for films where the male lead dominates. She noted that while she played supporting roles in Krrish, Don, and Agneepath, actresses like Deepika Padukone in Chennai Express and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, and Katrina Kaif in Rajneeti, were crucial to their films’ success. Priyanka highlighted that these actresses brought something unique to their roles, making those films what they were, and stressed that her point about proper acknowledgment was often misunderstood.

Upcoming projects

On the professional front, she is currently shooting SS Rajamouli’s SSMB 29 with Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Director SS Rajamouli has been keeping the details of SSMB29 under wraps. However, for now, it is known that the film is expected to be an action-adventure drama in the vein of Indiana Jones, a genre Rajamouli’s father and veteran writer, Vijayendra Prasad, has also confirmed in several interviews.

Her next big Hollywood release is The Bluff, produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO Productions and directed by Frank E Flowers. In this 19th‑century Caribbean swashbuckler, she plays a former female pirate who must defend her family and village during a brutal attack, only to have her mysterious past resurface.